AZ-800: Administer Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure

Course Description

Strengthen your hybrid infrastructure skills with AZ800: Administer Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure, a comprehensive four-day instructor-led course. IT professionals learn to administer Windows Server workloads across on-premises, Azure, and hybrid environments. You’ll deploy, manage, and secure identity, compute, networking, storage, virtualization, containers, and hybrid management using tools like Windows Admin Center, Azure Arc, PowerShell/CLI, and Defender. This training also lays the groundwork for the Azure Hybrid Administrator Associate certification.

Target Audience

Ideal for:

• Windows Server Administrators, Hybrid Infrastructure Engineers, and Cloud Operations Teams

• IT professionals preparing for the AZ800 exam, responsible for managing hybrid Windows Server environments

Prerequisites:

• Prior experience with Windows Server administration (ADDS, DNS, Hyper-V, storage, networking)

• Basic knowledge of Azure IaaS, Azure AD, PowerShell, and hybrid scenarios 

Course Outline

Module1: Configure Identity Services in Hybrid Environments

• Deploy and manage Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), forest, domain, and FSMO roles

• Implement Group Policy Objects (GPOs) and advanced AD features like trusts and ESAE forests

• Extend hybrid identity with Azure AD Connect, enable seamless SSO, and deploy AD DS domain controllers in Azure

Module2: Windows Server Administration & Secure Management

• Use Windows Admin Center, RSAT, PowerShell, Server Core tools, and Just Enough Administration (JEA)

• Apply post-install configurations with Sconfig and Desired State Configuration

• Secure administration using Privileged Access Workstations and JIT VM access 

Module3: Manage Azure IaaS VMs and Hybrid Tools

• Deploy and configure Windows Server VMs in Azure via Portal, CLI, and ARM templates

• Harden VMs with Azure Bastion, JIT, and Azure Automanage

• Onboard and manage hybrid servers using Azure Arc and Azure policies 

Module4: Virtualization & Container Administration

• Configure and manage HyperV role, virtual switches, nested virtualization, VMs, and shielded VMs

• Deploy Windows containers and orchestrate with Kubernetes, including hybrid Kubernetes via Azure Arc 

Module5: Networking in Hybrid Infrastructure

• Implement DHCP, DNS, IP Address Management (IPAM), and remote access using VPNs and NPS

• Configure hybrid networking, including VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute, split-horizon DNS, and VNet connectivity for Windows Server VMs

Module6: Storage and File Services Hybrid Integration

• Deploy Windows Server file servers, File Server Resource Manager, Storage Spaces, deduplication, iSCSI, and Storage Replica

• Extend file services to hybrid, using Azure Files, Azure File Sync, cloud tiering, and DFSRN to cloud migration 

HandsOn Experience

Approximately 40–50% of the class is dedicated to hands-on, instructor-led exercises. You’ll gain practical experience managing hybrid Windows Server workloads—from identity and compute to networking, storage, virtualization, and hybrid resource management.

Skills You’ll Gain

• Administer AD DS on-premises and in Azure, including hybrid identity and secure access

• Use Windows Admin Center, PowerShell, JEA, Bastion, and Automanage for secure server administration

• Deploy and manage Azure IaaS VMs and hybrid servers via Azure Arc and management tools

• Implement Hyper-V virtualization, containers, and hybrid Kubernetes environments

• Configure robust networking, DNS, DHCP, IPAM, and remote access in hybrid scenarios

• Operate and secure storage and file services—including Azure Files and Azure File Sync